Nikon Advanced Manufacturing Partnering with U.S. Navy to Expand U.S. Maritime Industrial Base
Nikon Advanced Manufacturing Inc. (Nikon AM) is partnering with the U.S. Navy Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) Program to advance additive manufacturing solutions for the U.S. Navy. Through this initiative, the MIB Program will fund placement of its first ultra-large format Nikon SLM Solutions’ NXG 600E laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF) metal additive manufacturing (AM) machine in the state-of-the-art, secure Nikon AM Technology Center in Long Beach, California. This facility focuses on metal AM, tackling critical needs in hypersonics, naval, defense, aviation, and space industries. NXG systems will be operated by Nikon AM Synergy Inc., Nikon’s engineering and services company, to qualify additive materials, develop technical data packages in high-productivity multi-laser AM systems, produce critical components, and expand additive manufacturing capabilities in support of U.S. Navy shipbuilding and repair.
The MIB Program is driving revitalization of U.S. Navy shipbuilding through strategic investments in supply chains, workforce development and advanced manufacturing. These initiatives are leveraging AM and collaborative programs like the Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE) in Danville, VA to invest, prove and scale game-changing technologies in the Fleet.
With 12 lasers, each generating 1000 Watts of power, the NXG ensures rapid and precise melting of metal powder, facilitating high-quality and consistent part production. The NXG series outpaces standard systems with 20x faster speeds and introduces a unique removable build cylinder to slash idle times, sharply reducing part costs and total ownership expenses.
Featuring a unique zoom function, the NXG provides enhanced control over printing parameters, enabling precise adjustments to accommodate diverse part geometries and optimize build quality. The NXG’s capability for large layer thickness allows for efficient material deposition, making it ideal for printing intricate features and delicate patterns with exceptional precision and surface finish. The NXG’s versatility in printing large parts with fine features and delicate patterns enhances manufacturing flexibility, allowing for the creation of complex components without compromising quality or speed.
Hamid Zarringhalam, CEO of Nikon AM said, “Nikon AM is proud of its partnership supporting the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base at our AM Technology Center in Long Beach. We are building upon Nikon’s long enduring reputation and advanced manufacturing expertise and have invested heavily to enable and scale the Defense Industrial Base on U.S. shores. We will continue to execute our holistic approach to deliver the advanced manufacturing capabilities that are crucial to the United States and allied partners.”
For more information: www.nikon-slm-solutions.com
